No tricks, but Safe Haven-Pike Humane Society's pet costume parade was a treat

Friday

Oct 31, 2008 at 5:10 PM

MILFORD — Torrential rains couldn't dampen down the spirits of last Saturday's entrants in the Second Annual Mutts and Meows Masquerade Parade. Pumpkins, pirates, and princesses put their wagging tails into overdrive to wow the judges and to help two great organizations: Safe Haven and the Pike County Humane Society.

LAUREL BISHOW

MILFORD — Torrential rains couldn't dampen down the spirits of last Saturday's entrants in the Second Annual Mutts and Meows Masquerade Parade. Pumpkins, pirates, and princesses put their wagging tails into overdrive to wow the judges and to help two great organizations: Safe Haven and the Pike County Humane Society.

At first glance, it might seem odd to hold a joint fundraiser for an organization that helps abused women and an animal shelter. In actuality, however, the two groups work closely together.

"When dealing with domestic abuse, it's not only the people who suffer. It's also the animals," explained Sharon Lewis of Safe Haven. "The PCHS has been helpful in sheltering animals of women who are seeking help."

"There is a correlation between people who abuse people and people who abuse pets," added Steve Warshaw of Bushkill, president of PCHS. Often, women will stay in abusive situations if they can't find a place to keep their pets safe.

Belying the serious purposes of Safe Haven and PCHS, the masquerade parade held at Kanine Kleaners in Milford was an event of smiles, oohs, aahs, and "that's so cute!" One dog, Emily, was adopted after the parade and several of the other contestants were previously adopted from PCHS.

"I'm here to support Safe Haven and the humane society. That's where (my dog) came from," said Heidi Oskamp of Dingmans Ferry, as she hugged her favorite canine.

Perhaps it was due to the weather, but only dogs competed in this year's competition. In addition to the costumes mentioned above, other interesting outfits included an angel, a hot dog, a doodlebug, a cheerleader, a chicken, and a couple of devils. Some of the dogs' human companions wore coordinating costumes.

Prizes were awarded, among others, for scariest, funniest, and most unique costumes. Angelika, a four-month old English bulldog who came with Cheryl Morena of Milford, won Best in Show. Angelika wore an orange and black pirate ensemble complete with pirate hat and frilly skirt and the judges felt she really was too cute.

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